How can I know that Joseph Smith was really a prophet of God?
Anonymous,
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2 Responses to “How can I know that Joseph Smith was really a prophet of God…”
Mario Rubio
2007-11-22 19:14:29
Hi friend. A testimony of Jesus Christ and a testimony of Joseph Smith, the prophet through which Christ restored His Church, to some extent go hand in hand. If your faith in Christ is lacking, I suggest you start there. Build your testimony around Christ.
If you already have a testimony of Christ, then you are ready to build upon that firm foundation. The Mormon revelatory process has two steps. According to Doctrine and Covenants 9:8, if one wants to get a message from God, she needs to first study the question out in her mind, and second ask God if her tentative decision or conclusion is right. This revelatory process is the same for any member of the Church, from a primary teacher to a prophet.
So to receive personal revelation that Joseph Smith was a prophet, you must first study the question out in your mind. Studying in this sense would involve reading the Book of Mormon, the fruit of Joseph's work, as well as studying the life of Joseph Smith from accurate sources (not anti-Mormon trash). Additionally, spend time pondering why God uses prophets, both ancient and modern; ponder why prophets are so important. During this process of studying and pondering, pray to God, asking Him for guidance. Ask Him to reveal to you that Joseph was His true prophet. God will answer in His own due time...don't rush Him. Perhaps the answer will come immediately, but perhaps it will come only after years of studying and pondering. With patience, however, you can come to know the truth of all things.
Hope this helps. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, an instrument in Christ's hands to restore His gospel once again to the earth.
Anonymous
2007-11-24 07:09:11
I know some people who have asked and have never gotten an answer, causing them to give up and move on or not move on at all. Some people know right away that this is where they are supposed to be and that he was a true messenger of God. I was told I should go pray alone in nature, silent or out loud, and then in days or years or moments I would find my answer. I think I found my answer in due days. I have no giving proof that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, but I do know from my answer that this is the religion. I have found my place. A lot of my own beliefs I've had since the age I could understand heaven and hell reflect upon these. So if I could say anything to you it would be that you should ask Heavenly Father if this is true. Ask in pure heart and true change and He will surely answer you when He feel you are ready. If He does not answer you right away, still continue to learn about the Mormon beliefs. In time you will feel more connected and more closer to your answer. I hope this helps. For some reason I just feel a need to answer this question. Thanks.
If you already have a testimony of Christ, then you are ready to build upon that firm foundation. The Mormon revelatory process has two steps. According to Doctrine and Covenants 9:8, if one wants to get a message from God, she needs to first study the question out in her mind, and second ask God if her tentative decision or conclusion is right. This revelatory process is the same for any member of the Church, from a primary teacher to a prophet.
So to receive personal revelation that Joseph Smith was a prophet, you must first study the question out in your mind. Studying in this sense would involve reading the Book of Mormon, the fruit of Joseph's work, as well as studying the life of Joseph Smith from accurate sources (not anti-Mormon trash). Additionally, spend time pondering why God uses prophets, both ancient and modern; ponder why prophets are so important. During this process of studying and pondering, pray to God, asking Him for guidance. Ask Him to reveal to you that Joseph was His true prophet. God will answer in His own due time...don't rush Him. Perhaps the answer will come immediately, but perhaps it will come only after years of studying and pondering. With patience, however, you can come to know the truth of all things.
Hope this helps. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, an instrument in Christ's hands to restore His gospel once again to the earth.